The city of Lyon

Lyon is a popular destination for many visitors and is loved for its food, fashion and culture. In addition, Lyon is very famous for its architecture with a Renaissance style, its opera house, the museums and monuments and of course is famous for its cuisine, the best of France after Paris.

If you want to know all of Lyon's splendid attractions, you have to take a walk around the city. Don't worry about the weather as it's very pleasant for the most part of the year. A simple walk can become a beautiful tour as Lyon's streets are full of architectural splendour.

The Vieux Lyon or Old Lyon was an important industrial and trade centre. It dates from the 15th century and it's main product was silk with many silk industries located there. However, today it is not a trade centre. Today many of the principal architectural attractions of the city are located in Vieux Lyon, the funicular station and the Vieux Lyon metro are remarkable Roman remains.

Walking across the city allows you to get to know the different historical eras of Lyon, from Fourvière Hill and its Roman characteristics to the Gallo-Roman period and Lyon's power.

The Cathédrale St-Jean on rue St-Jean, is one of the most beautiful places in Lyon. You should not forget to visit this Cathedral. This is the oldest cathedral in Lyon which is huge and very impressive and contains beautiful fountains. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, as well as many other convents will bring you back to the Lyon of ancient times.

Lyon is also a modern and cultural city and many Festivals are celebrated throughout the year. Some of them are:

« France's National Day of Music, around June 21.
« Foire Internationale de Lyon (Lyon International Fair), which takes place in the Parc des Expositions.
« Festival des Voix des Origines, cultural festival, which takes place in mid May.
« Fourvière Nights or Les Nuits de Fourvière, musical and theatrical performance, mid June to mid September.
« Lyon Reggae Festival, takes place in July, also in the Parc des Expositions.
« Lyon Pride, gay pride festival in June

This combination of architecture, culture and excellent food makes Lyon a must visit destination.